For years, Lucy Vasquez says, she tried everything. She offered her daughter, Alexia Dos Santos, candy or toys, anything for Alexia to finally get a haircut.But Alexia, 5, refused. Why would she want to cut her hair? Her long black curls stopped strangers in public and reminded Alexia of the fairy-tale princesses she admires.

Wilmington | A man was arrested Tuesday night after he led police on a chase in Wilmington the night before, officials said.Johnnie Mack Shingler, 23, faces charges including speeding to elude arrest, driving the wrong way on a divided highway and driving without a license, according to Sgt. Matt Hardee of N.C. Highway Patrol.

Why, when and how Alcoholic Beverage Control Board members decided to give raises to the father and son who run New Hanover County’s liquor stores – netting them six-digit salaries – may never be known because those decisions were never recorded in their meetings, an attorney said Wednesday.